Oops, I dropped it... How to find it?

[daveinva]

A few weeks back while installing some fine ESI/NMN lighting products, I accidentally dropped a Posi-Tap connector down behind my control panel.

At the time, it was frustrating as ESI doesn't include any spares; but a week later and Amazon had me a replacement Posi-Tap and I was on my way.

Sadly, now the REAL problem has presented itself: I have a loose Posi-Tap rolling around the bottom of my Spyder.

It's completely inconsequential, of course; I can't hear it during riding, and it doesn't hurt a thing.

BUT, when I'm going slow or braking, I sure as heck hear that little itty-bitty piece of plastic roll around down there (even with a helmet and earplugs!).

Like Poe and his tell-tale heart, this annoys me to no end. :gaah:

Thus, my $64,000 question for the forum: what is the easiest and likeliest solution to finding that part? Which panels, if any, do I have to remove to have a good chance of finding it down there? I've got the ability to jack up my Spyder if necessary... just wondering how the heck I can get to wherever it most likely is rolling around at.

Thanks in advance for the advice...

 

[CanAmMick]

Had a similar problem when I was installing my gps mount. I dropped one of the spacers down the handlebars and had to pull off my side panels. It wasn't a good feeling.

Got the book out and had to do some reading. It explains how to remove the panels, but I felt it could have been written a little better or maybe some better pictures. Needless to say after I found my part I tried reinstalling the panels and ran into a few problems.

Got it most of the way back together and one of the rubber grommets popped off so I had to remove everything again to find it. After getting everything back together I realized that I had two screws left over. Soon as I saw then I realized that I had failed to installed the screws under the mirror. :helpsmilie:

Lesson learned, don't get in a hurry like I was. Take your time, and read the book. Once you get to know more about this machine I'm sure it will get easier.. Maybe some of the others can provide us both with some good advise.

 

[Weave2u]

Have you considered flipping it over and shaking it out :roflblack: Sorry....couldn't resist. I too had this issue doing the various add ons I've done :gaah: very frustrating! I find the "long-bendy-springy-tool-thing-with-the-claw-end" works good in this situation.

 

[fastfraser]

One day you will find it on your garage floor and wonder where the heck it came from .:roflblack:

I would start with the splash panels on the bottom ( one you remove for the oil change )

 

[Bob Denman]

Not to worry... I've got a screw, jumper block, AND small screwdriver residing deep in the recesses of mine and they don't seem to set off any fire alarms... :shocked:

 

[daveinva]

Thanks all for the advice, I'll wait around until my next oil change and try to hunt it down then.

 

[GeoffCee]

Which panels, if any, do I have to remove to have a good chance of finding it down there?

When I was little I lost one of my toy soldiers, not just any soldier but the major on horseback who led the parade. My dad said I would be sure always to find it in the last place I looked, so why didn't I start looking there first and save some time? :hun:

Best advice I ever had and it's free to go. :roflblack:

 

[daveinva]

When I was little I lost one of my toy soldiers, not just any soldier but the major on horseback who led the parade. My dad said I would be sure always to find it in the last place I looked, so why didn't I start looking there first and save some time? :hun:

Best advice I ever had and it's free to go. :roflblack:

Indeed, great advice. Trouble isn't FINDING it, it's GETTING to it!

 

[GeoffCee]

You're right. It's an important distinction to make. :shocked:

 

[t64507]

i got this tip from frank after i lost a spacer putting gps mount on
put a towel down every time you work on bike
an like a dumm a s i didnt and when i put the cup holder on down went the old bolt
in these cases i used a small ultralight fishing pole and tape it worked took
30 min but worked:2thumbs:

 

[Bob Denman]

Do we have any sumo-wrestling Spyder owners who'd be willing to shake parts from their hiding places?? :clap::roflblack::shemademe_smilie::shocked:

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

I also lost something on the way to the BRP event in Maggie Valley, my credit card! Just finished filling up and put the credit card down on the dash by the steering head (RS). You got it no dash. The card went flip flop down into the motor compartment. It took over one hour in 98 degree weather to take everything apart to find it!